Carleton has an extensive network of international partnerships. We have more than 70 cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding(MOUs) that include research partnerships in 34 countries, and more than 170 agreements which facilitate the academic exchange of graduate and undergraduate students. Many of our faculty are actively engaged in research collaboration projects beyond our existing agreements.

Institutional agreements articulate and clarify working terms agreed upon by both parties to carry out a number of activities on a cooperative basis. Agreements that are clear and cover the important elements of cooperation are a great benefit both to Carleton University and to the individuals responsible for carrying out the terms of the agreement.

Partnership Agreements

Carleton International manages international cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding.

Institutional partnerships are driven by the research interests of Carleton faculty members. Faculty members and researchers at other institutions should contact a faculty member at Carleton in order to initiate partnership discussions and identify potential opportunities for collaboration. For additional help in finding the right person to speak to on campus, contact the team in Carleton International for more information.

To initiate an international cooperative agreement or MOU,Carleton faculty members must identify a faculty champion who will be the point contact for the partnership, complete the International Research Agreement Approval form and submit it to the International Research Agreements and Mobility Coordinator. This form determines the need and/or rationale for a new institutional agreement and must be approved and signed by the faculty champion’s Dean before the MOU or agreement is processed by Carleton International.

Approval forms should include a description of the proposed institutional partner; a summary of the intended areas of cooperation including the activities being proposed, potential Carleton resource commitments, and a list of the units or departments that will be involved; as well as a clear explanation of the mutually beneficial elements of each partnership to the institutions involved. All international agreements must be reviewed by Carleton International prior to being negotiated.

The approval process at Carleton includes a risk assessment by Carleton International, approval by the deans of the faculties and schools involved in activities envisioned during the partnership; and approval by the executive leads of all academic and service units involved in delivering on the terms of the agreement.

Types of Agreements

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

An agreement between institutions used to initiate institutional collaborations and to support research, capacity building, research mobility, and other forms of academic partnership. This agreement establishes expectations of the relationship between institutions and identifies possible areas of collaboration. The MOU does not commit any institutional resources and its duration usually ranges from 1 to 5 years.

Letter of Agreement

A Letter of Agreement is used to support a specific program, grant or scholarship. These agreements are drafted on a case-by-case basis and any resulting projects are contingent offer support on an individual level and any pare contingent on the availability of funding.

Student Exchange Agreement

Student exchange agreements allow for reciprocal and balanced movement of students between two partner institutions. Students pay tuition fees to their home institution for courses taken while on exchange. Students may study to a maximum of 1 academic year on this type of program. These agreements are negotiated and administered by the International Student Services Office (ISSO). Please contact the ISSO directly to inquire about existing or new student exchange agreements.

Important Considerations

The primary aim of any international agreement is to strengthen teaching and research while broadening the international experience of the participants and fostering goodwill.

Agreements should specify:

Joint or reciprocal actions to be taken

Period of time which the agreement is expected to be in force

Responsible departments at both institutions

Additional Points for consideration

Future objectives – potential growth areas for future collaborations

Resource implications- financial, facilities and other resources

Fit with Carleton’s strategic directions

Academic compatibility among parties – What strengths does the partner institution bring to the linkage? How will Carleton benefit?

Short and long term benefits and risks

Agreement Negotiation

Once your request for a new agreement has been approved, Carleton International will contact you to proceed with the negotiation process. As the primary point of contact with the other institution, it will be the faculty champion’s responsibility to follow through on negotiating the terms of the agreement unless he or she specifically asks Carleton International to negotiate the agreement on their behalf. Carleton International will help determine what type of agreement is required, which template should be used and how the review or approval process should be managed. Both sides must indicate agreement to the final terms of the document prior to signature.

Obtaining Signatures

Once both institutions have agreed on the terms of the agreement, Carleton International will print the final version and send it through the Vice-President (Research and International) and the President’s office for signature. If the partner institution prints and signs the agreement first, please ensure two original copies are forwarded to Carleton International in order to obtain Carleton’s signatures.